A passenger died early Sunday after exiting a moving Uber onto the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway in New York City and being struck by a driver who police say was intoxicated.
The incident occurred around 2:30 a.m. near Exit 28 in DUMBO, according to the NYPD.
Chasna Thelemaque, 37, of Prospect Park South in Brooklyn, was in the back of a Toyota Rav4, believed to be an Uber, when she exited the vehicle. Police stated she landed in the right lane of the highway, which has a speed limit of 50 mph. It remains unclear if she fell or intentionally exited the vehicle.
Thelemaque was then struck by a Hyundai Elantra driven by Destiny Mendez, 29, of East Flatbush, Brooklyn. Police reported that Mendez was intoxicated at the time of the collision.
Mendez was arrested and charged with vehicular assault, vehicular manslaughter, driving while intoxicated (DWI), and driving while ability impaired.
The Uber driver, a 33-year-old man, remained at the scene. The two vehicles did not collide with each other, according to police.
Brooklyn-Queens Expressway Incident
The Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, often referred to as the BQE, is a major arterial route in New York City. Incidents on elevated highways like the BQE can be particularly dangerous due to high speeds and limited visibility.